Family of player called ‘weak dog’ by Ricky Stuart slam Canberra coach – who could be suspended

In the wake of Ricky Stuart’s extraordinary ‘weak gutted dog’ spray at Penrith half Jaeman Salmon, the NRL are considering an unprecedented punishment that may include suspending the Raiders coach. 

Following Canberra’s 26-6 loss at home to the Panthers, a fired-up Stuart unleashed the now-infamous withering spray at Salmon after the five-eighth appeared to kick out at Raiders hooker Tom Starling. 

Stuart is no stranger to a tirade, much to the chagrin of the NRL. He’s amassed approximately $135,000 in fines since he moved into coaching in 2002 – including a $20,000 fine for storming out of a press conference in 2015.

The Salmon family released a statement on Sunday evening imploring the NRL ‘to take action’, condemning the strong remarks from Stuart. 

The kick in question occurred in the 60th minute of the game, with Salmon’s foot seen making contact with Starling’s groin as the former tried to get up after being tackled – though it is certainly not clear if it was intentional.

That didn’t appear to matter to Stuart. 

‘Where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on. I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well,’ he said at the post-match press conference.

‘He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.’

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is facing an unprecedented punishment from the NRL for his spray 

Ricky Stuart (right) sits alongside Raider Elliott Whitehead during the explosive press conference on Saturday night

In the Salmon family’s statement, which was distributed by Jaeman’s manager Sam Ayoub, they questioned Stuart’s assertion that he ‘knew the kid well’.

Stuart’s grudge with Jaeman and his family has been simmering for a remarkable 12 years, after an incident at a junior rugby league game.

A ‘childish act’ from Salmon reportedly brought Stuart’s son Jackson to tears at a match in 2019, which allegedly saw Stuart confront Salmon. 

Salmon’s father reportedly then confront Stuart himself, with the pair needing to be separated at things got heated – though the Salmon family said they’ve had no contact since. 

Jaeman Salmon (centre) celebrates his Penrith Panthers debut with family and friends

‘We were surprised by Ricky’s claim that he knows Jaeman personally as they have had no contact since Jae was 12-years old,’ the statement read.

‘We are calling on the NRL to take action as we believe Jaeman has been wronged in this situation.

‘We will follow the correct procedures and let the NRL complete a thorough investigation,’ said the statement. 

Speaking on Fox League, Storm legend Cooper Cronk said the family’s statement heaped more pressure on the NRL to come down hard.

‘This is getting ugly, this is why you can’t cross the line … now the Salmon family are standing up for the integrity of their son. And this is adding spice to the NRL to come down a little more heavy,’ he said.

Salmon was charged with a grade one contrary conduct charge, and will face a $1000-1500 fine if found guilty. 

Jaemon Salmon (unseen, on ground) is facing a grade one contrary conduct charge for the alleged kick on Tom Starling (number 14)

Regardless, Stuart’s extraordinary comments were widely condemned, with Phil Gould declaring: ‘I’ve never heard a coach say anything like that at a press conference’. 

On Fox League’s post-match coverage, former Bronco Corey Parker was scathing of Stuart’s spray. 

‘I can’t think in my time of an incident that has happened like that where a coach has gone after a player or said some things about a player,’ Parker said. 

‘Ricky Stuart has been coaching in the game for 20 years … absolutely disgraceful comments.’